Endoscope Insertion Tube Stiffness Control for Curved Navigation

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing endoscopes lack the ability to vary the stiffness of their insertion portions, leading to potential patient discomfort and increased examination time due to looping or difficulty in reaching certain body regions, and existing solutions do not provide complete mechanical control over flexibility.

Innovation Solution

The endoscope assembly incorporates elements such as screws, wires, springs, and actuators with superelastic materials like Nitinol to mechanically control the stiffness of the insertion portion, allowing for variation through mechanisms like rotation, activation, or fluid pressure control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the insertion portion is made stiffer, then looping is reduced and maneuverability is improved, but the ability to navigate curved paths and reach difficult areas is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovemaneuverabilityVSAvoidability to navigate curved paths

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The endoscope employs a dynamic stiffness control mechanism where a motor-driven screw rotates to move a stopper along a wire, which in turn adjusts the stiffness of the insertion portion. This allows the stiffness to be dynamically changed from soft to stiff states, enabling the scope to adapt to different navigation requirements in real-time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the physical parameter of stiffness by applying mechanical force through the screw-stopper-wire mechanism. By rotating the screw, the stopper moves to different positions on the wire, altering the tension and stiffness characteristics of the insertion portion to match different operational needs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If the insertion portion is made softer, then it is easier to reach difficult areas like the cecum, but looping increases and patient discomfort may occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to reach difficult areasVSAvoidpatient comfort

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The endoscope employs a dynamic stiffness control mechanism where a motor-driven screw rotates to move a stopper along a wire, which in turn adjusts the stiffness of the insertion portion. This allows the stiffness to be dynamically changed from soft to stiff states, enabling the scope to adapt to different navigation requirements in real-time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the physical parameter of stiffness by applying mechanical force through the screw-stopper-wire mechanism. By rotating the screw, the stopper moves to different positions on the wire, altering the tension and stiffness characteristics of the insertion portion to match different operational needs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If repeated reprocessing and cleaning are performed, then hygiene is maintained, but the flexible characteristics of the insertion portion deteriorate and it becomes too flexible

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehygiene maintenanceVSAvoidflexibility characteristic

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The endoscope has a self-adjusting mechanism where the screw and stopper system automatically maintains optimal stiffness. The mechanical design allows the insertion portion to recover and maintain its structural integrity after cleaning cycles without requiring manual intervention or replacement of flexible components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables precise adjustment of stiffness to enhance maneuverability and reduce patient discomfort, improving the efficiency and effectiveness of endoscopic procedures.

Implementation Method 1

the wire stiffens the insertion portion upon rotation of the screw towards distal end of the insertion portion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical tension: Tension

Implementation Method 2

a spring, having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the proximal end of the spring is connected to the actuator and wherein the actuator activates the spring

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Implementation Method 3

actuators with superelastic materials like Nitinol to mechanically control the stiffness of the insertion portion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSuperelasticity: Pseudoelasticity

Data Source

PatentUS20250359740A1Systems and methods for varying stiffness of an endoscopic insertion tube

Publication Date: 2025.11.27 ENDOCHOICE INC

AI summary

The specification describes a medical device comprising an insertion portion, a handle connected to a proximal end of the insertion portion. The handle comprises a wheel in an interior of the handle, the wheel having an asymmetric shape, a manually-operable lever connected to the wheel, and a wire having a proximal end in the handle and a distal end in the insertion portion, wherein rotation of the lever rotates the wheel to control a tension of the wire.